All 4 ways to play Ab7 on guitar
-
xxx112 at the 1st fret -
464544 at the 4th fret -
xx6878 at the 6th fret -
x-11-13-11-13-11 at the 11th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Ab7 on guitar
Main shape: xxx112 (at the 1st fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the G (3rd) to the B (2nd) string at the 1st fret (a barre).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th), A (5th) or D (4th) strings (marked X).
- Strum from the G (3rd) string down (3 strings).
Ab7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ | 1 | root |
| C | 3 | major 3rd |
| E♭ | 5 | perfect 5th |
| G♭ | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: A♭7/C (1st inversion), A♭7/E♭ (2nd inversion) and A♭7/G♭ (3rd inversion).
Easier ways to play Ab7
- Put a capo on the 1st fret and play the open G7 shape: it sounds as A♭7.
- In rock songs, the A♭5 power chord (A♭ and E♭ only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
Ab7 on piano and ukulele
-
A♭7 on piano A♭ – C – E♭ – G♭ -
A♭7 on ukulele 1323
Which keys use Ab7?
A♭7 is one of the basic chords of 2 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| D♭ major | A♭7 | V7 | dominant |
| B♭ minor | A♭7 | VII7 | dominant |
| C♯ minor | G♯7 | V7 | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with Ab7
- ii–V–I in D♭ major: E♭m7 – A♭7 – D♭maj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- 12-bar blues in E♭ major: E♭7 – E♭7 – E♭7 – E♭7 – A♭7 – A♭7 – E♭7 – E♭7 – B♭7 – A♭7 – E♭7 – B♭7 Twelve bars of I, IV and V with dominant 7th chords: one of the most prominent progressions in popular music.
- iiø–V–i in C♯ minor: D♯m7♭5 – G♯7 – C♯m7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.